US Envoy to India Describes Relationship Between US and India as Multiplicative
Eric Garcetti, the United States Ambassador to India, recently lauded the strong ties between New Delhi and Washington, emphasizing the importance of enhancing co-development efforts and positioning the relationship as a global model. Speaking at the US India Business Council event in New Delhi on Tuesday, Garcetti highlighted the distinctive nature of the bilateral relationship, describing it as not merely additive but multiplicative.
Garcetti’s speech underscored the deepening understanding between the two nations, stating, “Looking at the way we are understanding each other’s culture, this is more than an additive relationship; this is not India plus the US, this is India times the US…a multiplicative relationship.” This viewpoint reflects the synergistic potential of the US-India partnership, where combined efforts yield exponentially greater results.
The ambassador elaborated on the difference between co-production and co-development, stressing the importance of aligning mutual needs and interests. He explained, “We should be clear with our terms. Co-production is not the same thing as co-development. We need to make sure, when we are looking at co-development, we are not doing it for the sake of that. It should be something that India needs, including its military, and something that America needs. Where do those circles intersect? And how quickly can we look at co-development to become the model for the world?”
Garcetti also connected contemporary collaboration to ancient Indian wisdom, referencing historical texts to underline the longstanding tradition of strategic thinking in India. He mentioned the Rig Veda, noting, “Our goal is not to wage war. In the Rig Veda, there is Indra, the most powerful god, the god of thunder and, in many ways, the god of war too. We knew the power, and you can feel the power of that kind of primal creation of the earth that came out of conflict.”
Further, he drew on the Mahabharata and Arthashastra to illustrate India’s ancient strategic doctrines. Garcetti commented, “There are two traditions in India. One that’s in the Mahabharata of war being something kind of exciting, grim, but a sport, an even religious duty. We know that well. And when we were not as hopefully civilized as we are today, every culture embraced the necessity of war as places were conquered, as people suffered, histories that were never written.” He added, “But there is a second school of thought, the Arthashastra, which clearly states that ‘war is a continuation of politics by other means,’ over 200 years before it was studied in our colleges. Like so much discovery in India, it was actually written here first.”
Garcetti’s references to ancient texts served to highlight the depth and wisdom of Indian civilization, suggesting that modern strategic partnerships can draw inspiration from these rich traditions. His remarks underscore the potential for the US and India to set a global standard through their collaborative efforts, particularly in areas where their needs and strengths align.
In conclusion, Garcetti’s address at the US India Business Council event portrayed the US-India relationship as a powerful, dynamic partnership with the potential to achieve significant global impact. By focusing on co-development and mutual interests, both nations can build a robust alliance that serves as a model for the world.